Hair curler



y 21, 1964 5. J. CATANIA 3,141,464

HAIR CURLER Filed Jan. 18, 1961 Salvatore John Caron/a IN VEN TOR.

United States Patent 3,141,464 HAIR CURLER Salvatore John Catania, 2531 S. 90th St., Omaha, Nebr. Filed Jan. 18, 1961, Ser. No. 83,473 8 Claims. (Cl. 13241) This invention relates to hair curlers.

As will be hereinafter disclosed, means are provided which facilitates the forming of perfect and highly satisfactory end curls by the user. To this end the curler has the free or terminal tip portions of the strands of hair clampingly pressed and bound firmly between suitably curved surfaces until the desired curled effect is effectively achieved. Hence, when the curler is removed the end curls are prominent, stand out admirably well, and are pleasing to observe.

In addition, structural means is provided for conveniently and positively shaping and forming long-lasting curls between the scalp and the specially formed end curls.

Generally speaking, the invention comprises a mandrel around which the selected tuft of hair is wound, and readily applicable and removable means which is cooperable with and conformable in shape to the mandrel and which permits the free terminal ends of the strands of hair to be clampingly bound between cooperating surfaces of the mandrel and said means, thus imparting the desired shape and producing end curls which hold their shape after the curler has been removed. The means referred to comprises an elongated clamping member commensurate in length with the length of the mandrel. This member is arcuate in cross-section, the curvature of the are being suflicient to apply binding pressure to the end curls.

More explicitly, the mandrel comprises an open ended sleeve or tubular cylinder, said sleeve having a longitudinal slot in one side through and beyond which the terminal tip portions of the strands of hair may be passed into the bore of the sleeve, at least one edge along the slot having a turned-in lip-like flange, said flange having a convex surface against which said hair tip portions may be clampingly held and the desired curl-effect imparted thereto, and readily applicable and removable means cooperable with said convex-surface and function- .ing to bind the tip portions between coacting surfaces of the flange and means.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a hair curler constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and showing the hingedly mounted components or leaves swung to and assuming self-retained ready-to-use positions.

FIG. 2 is a view in perspective showing the first step wherein the ends of the strands of hair in the tuft have been inserted into the slot and the associated clamping leaf has been brought into position to attach the curler.

FIG. 3 is a view in perspective showing the finished result and wherein the several other leaves (FIG. 2) have been swung from their out-of-the-way positions to their respective curl-clamping positions.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 and showing a springbiased clasp which is used in the manner illustrated.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-section taken on the plane of the line 5-5 of FIG. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 6 is a view in side elevation with the leaves applied for purpose of illustration and which also shows "ice how the elastic hinging means may be employed for releasing a retaining hook.

Referring specifically to FIGURES 1-6, it will be seen that there is provided the mandrel, cylindrical tube or sleeve 14, the right hand open end of which is denoted at 16 and the opposite or left hand end at 18. This sleeve is suitably perforated as at 20. In one side it is provided with an elongated slot 22 comprising a recess and of a length slightly lass than the over-all length of the sleeve and along one edge the sleeve is struck inwardly at 24 and then fashioned into an in-bent lip, pro jection or flange 26 which provides the aforementioned convex surface for the tip portions A of the hair tuft B (FIG. 5). The members 22 and 26 also comprise latch portions which function to retain the leaf member 28 in closed position upon the mandrel. It will be seen that four hair clamping members or elongated leaves are employed and are yieldingly and hingedly attached to the end portion 16. One leaf is denoted at 28 and this leaf comprises an elongated member which is slightly greater in length than the over-all length of the sleeve. This member is provided at its free end with an attaching and retaining hook 32 which is engageable over the edge or end 18, these elements comprising latch portions as shown in FIG. 2. The other end portion 34 is provided with holes 36 to accommodate a coacting portion of a rubber band 38 which is arranged to serve as an attaching hinge and also a retainer. It will be noted that the end portion 16 (FIG. 1) is provided with holes 40 which cooperate with the holes 36 and accommodate the rubber band and also another rubber band both designated by reference numeral 38. It will be further noted that the triangular extension or finger grip 42 has a groove 44 therein to accommodate and retain a portion of the rubber band. With further reference to this special end curl forming leaf 28, it Will be noted than on one longitudinal edge it is provided with a laterally bent curved flange 46 which coacts with and corresponds in length with the aforementioned turned-in flange 26 (see FIG. 5). With further reference to the showing in FIG. 5 it will be evident that the surface 48 of the stationary flange 26 may be said to be convex while the opposed surface of the flange 46 is convex. This also constitutes a latch portion. It follows that when the hair ends or terminals A are sand- Wiched between the convex and concave surfaces of the flanges 26 and 46, respectively, the desired shape or curl is imparted to the hair ends A. The special purpose leaf 28 binds a portion C of the hair against the sleeve and the end portions are clamped and the curler, as a unit, is attached to the hair.

The auxiliary and progressively usable leaves, all of which latter are designated by the reference numeral 50, come into play one after the other and they too correspond generally in construction to the special leaf 28. Thus, each leaf 50 comprises an elongated blade which is transversely curved as denoted at 52, the same having a multiplicity of holes 54 therein. The outer free end, in each instance, is provided with a keeper hook 56 which is engaged over the edge 18 in the manner best shown in FIG. 4. The hinged or attached ends of the leaves 50 are secured by an attaching hinge comprising the rubber band 38 with a portion connected to the sleeve and another portion connected to the cooperating end of the leaf, the connected end portion of the leaf having a truncated triangular finger grip 60 with a groove 62 which assists in retaining the rubber band or hinge in place. Thus all four of the leaves are correspondingly hinged by elastic means, are provided with keeper hooks at the free ends and each leaf has the function of binding and clamping the hair against that surface of the sleeve with which it is aligned and coacts. Assuming then that the terminal or tip portions A have been clamped in position between 3 the flanges 26 and 46 as shown in FIG. 5 it will be evident that by winding or wrapping the remainder of the hair around the drum-like sleeve or mandrel the desired curls are formed and are fastened securely by the leaves 50.

For convenience, the special purpose leaf 28 is called the main hinged leaf while the leaves 50 are referred to as complemental auxiliary leaves.

The clasp 64 is a separate implement which is employed at the final stage of operation in the manner shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. This clasp comprises an inner generally straight finger 66 which is placed into close proximity to the scalp and a substantially semi-circular or bowed finger 68 which is applied as shown. The two fingers have ap propriate grips 70 and 72 which are hingedly connected by spring hinge means 74.

The purpose of the clasp is to ensure that the leaves are not only elastically hinged in place but that they are allowed to slide longitudinally so that by holding the device With one hand and exerting finger pressure against a finger grip with the other hand the leaf can be slid through the clasp to release the keeper hook. It is also evident that when the leaves are in the open position shown in FIG. 1 elastic bands exert pressure against the finger grip ends causing the finger grips to telescope into the end of the sleeve thus holding the leaves in place.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A hair curler comprising an elongated mandrel having a longitudinally extending slot in its side, said slot along one edge having a longitudinal and inwardly directed lip with a transversely arcuate surface facing said slot, clamping means including an elongated leaf having a transversely concave surface for compressively engaging said mandrel side along substantial portions of their lengths, said leaf carrying a longitudinally extending laterally projecting flange movable into said slot and having a transversely arcuate surface complementary to said lip surface for clamping the tip portions of a strand of hair between said arcuate surfaces, mounting means connecting one end portion of said leaf and mandrel for relative movement of said leaf and mandrel whereby to clamp a strand of hair between said leaf and mandrel when said strand is wound about the latter.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said mounting means enables independent swinging and sliding movement of said leaf upon said mandrel, fastening means on the other ends of said leaf and mandrel for selectively securing and releasing said other ends upon sliding movement of said leaf upon said mandrel.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said mounting means comprises a resilient member connected to both said mandrel and leaf and yieldingly urging them towards independent swingingly engaged and axially displaced positions.

4. The combination of claim 1, wherein said mounting means comprises a resilient connection engaging both said leaf and mandrel, said connection securing said leaf to said mandrel for swinging movement resiliently biased towards said mandrel and for axial sliding movement upon said mandrel yieldingly urged in one direction.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said one end of said leaf and mandrel have cooperating engageable portions releasably retaining them in a side-by-side engaged relation.

6. A hair curler comprising an elongated mandrel having a longitudinally extending slot in its side, clamping means including an elongated leaf having a transversely concave surface for compressively engaging said mandrel side along substantial portions of their lengths, said leaf carrying a longitudinally extending laterally projecting flange movable into said slot and having a surface for clamping the top portions of a strand of hair against said mandrel, mounting means connecting one end portion of said leaf and mandrel whereby to clamp a strand of hair between said leaf and mandrel when said strand is wound about the latter.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said mandrel includes a longitudinal and inwardly directed lip upon the edge of said slot, said lip and flange having cooperating surfaces for clamping said top portions of a strand of hair therebetween.

8. The combination of claim 6 wherein said leaf has an extension projecting beyond said mounting means and constituting a fingergrip portion.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 765,863 Spangenberg July 26, 1904 861,479 Payne July 30, 1907 1,487,636 White Mar. 18, 1924 1,565,098 Nielsen Dec. 8, 1925 1,872,644 Baldwin Aug. 23, 1932 2,008,508 Lechler July 16, 1935 2,403,244 Simons July 2, 1946 2,426,760 Caldora Sept. 2, 1947 2,789,565 Voorhees Apr. 23, 1957 2,829,654 Fay Apr. 8, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 589,815 France Feb. 28, 1925 619,889 Great Britain Mar. 16, 1949 

6. A HAIR CURLER COMPRISING AN ELONGATED MANDREL HAVING A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING SLOT IN ITS SIDE, CLAMPING MEANS INCLUDING AN ELONGATED LEAF HAVING A TRANSVERSELY CONCAVE SURFACE FOR COMPRESSIVELY ENGAGING SAID MANDREL SIDE ALONG SUBSTANTIAL PORTIONS OF THEIR LENGTHS, SAID LEAF CARRYING A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING LATERALLY PROJECTING FLANGE MOVABLE INTO SAID SLOT AND HAVING A SURFACE FOR CLAMPING THE TOP PORTIONS OF A STRAND OF HAIR AGAINST SAID MANDREL, MOUNTING MEANS CONNECTING ONE END PORTION OF SAID LEAF AND MANDREL WHEREBY TO CLAMP A STRAND OF HAIR BETWEEN SAID LEAF AND MANDREL WHEN SAID STRAND IS WOUND ABOUT THE LATTER. 